Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp
Cross from the Mardi ridge to the main Annapurna trail and continue into the Sanctuary. On request
Annapurna (Mardi Himal ridge)
Mardi Himal Trek
A forest ridge straight up to the foot of Machapuchare
- Days8
- High point4,155 m / 13,632 ft
- GradeModerate to hard, 3 of 5
- Best monthsMar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov
Overview
A short, steep ridge trek from near Pokhara, through forest and above the tree line to High Camp and a dawn viewpoint below Mardi Himal, with Machapuchare and Annapurna South close in front of you.
Highlights
- A ridge walk from rhododendron and oak forest up above the tree line
- Machapuchare (the "Fishtail") at close range from High Camp
- Sunrise at the Upper Viewpoint (4,155 m) over Annapurna South and Hiunchuli
- Quieter than the main Annapurna Base Camp trail
- Eight days from Kathmandu, with no mountain flights
Guide & safety
- A licensed trekking guide with you every day.
Is this trek for me?
Fitness & difficulty
Moderate to hard, 3 of 5 Moderate
- No climbing skills needed, but the ridge is steep in places, especially above Low Camp.
- The viewpoint day means a pre-dawn start and about 600 m of climbing before a long descent.
- You sleep at 3,540 m and walk to 4,155 m, high enough for altitude sickness, so read our safety approach before you go.
8 days · scroll to climb
Day by day
The marker follows you down the itinerary. Red figures are height gained since where you slept the night before.
Loading map…
Day 1: Tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Most of the day on the road. Night in Pokhara.
Day 2: Drive to Kande, trek via Australian Camp to Pothana
Day 3: Trek through forest to Forest Camp
Day 4: Trek up the ridge to Low Camp
Day 5: Trek to High Camp
Day 6: Dawn hike to the Upper Viewpoint, descend to Low Camp
Sleep at Low Camp.
Day 7: Trek down to Siding, drive to Pokhara
Day 8: Tourist bus back to Kathmandu
Dates & price
Plan your dates
Pick the day you want to start walking. We'll lay out your whole trip and check the season.
- Arrive in Kathmandu by–
- Trek–
- Fly home from–
- Tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara
- Drive to Kande, trek via Australian Camp to Pothana1,990 m
- Trek through forest to Forest Camp2,440 m
- Trek up the ridge to Low Camp2,970 m
- Trek to High Camp3,540 m
- Dawn hike to the Upper Viewpoint, descend to Low Camp2,970 m
- Trek down to Siding, drive to Pokhara1,945 m
- Tourist bus back to Kathmandu
Private trek
Your own guide and your own pace, starting on a date you choose in season.
Small group departures
Ask us for current details.
What's included
In the price
Included
- Licensed trekking guide
- Tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back
- Two hotel nights in Pokhara, before and after the trek
- Teahouse accommodation on the trek
- All meals on the trek: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
Not included
- International flights and Nepal visa
- Hotel nights in Kathmandu
- Porter (we can add one; ask us for the price)
- Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover
- Tips for guides and porters
You pay on the trail
- Hot shower
- On request
- Phone or battery charging
- On request
- Dal bhat (set meal)
- On request
Prices rise the higher you go. Bring cash in Nepali rupees.
No hidden costs, no surprise group merging, a named guide, and a descend-first safety plan. Read our promises → Ask us
Make it yours
Ask about these →Extend or change it
Other ways to walk it
Add-ons
Extra nights in Pokhara
Rest by Phewa Lake, take the cable car up to Sarangkot, or try paragliding over the valley.
Practicalities
Good to know
Where you'll stay
Teahouses on the ridge are smaller and simpler than on the main Annapurna trails: twin rooms with blankets and a shared dining room. There are fewer lodges higher up, so rooms can fill in peak season.
Teahouse lodges, twin-share rooms
What you'll eat
The menu is the usual teahouse one: dal bhat (rice, lentil soup and vegetable curry, usually with free refills), noodles, eggs, porridge and tea. Choice shrinks near High Camp, because everything is carried up.
Permits
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- NPR 3,000 (SAARC nationals NPR 1,000)
- TIMS card (arranged by your trekking agency)
- NPR 2,000 (SAARC nationals NPR 1,000)
Before and after, in Pokhara
Your bus from Kathmandu and hotel nights in Pokhara are included. For an airport pickup, extra nights or a rest day with the Sarangkot cable car, we help you arrange it.
Plan your Pokhara days →Mardi Himal guides
Questions
FAQ
How hard is the Mardi Himal trek?
Moderate. The days are shorter than on Annapurna Base Camp, but the trail climbs steeply up the ridge, and the viewpoint day starts before dawn and ends with a long descent.
Do I climb Mardi Himal?
No. Mardi Himal (5,553 m) is a mountaineering peak. The trek goes to viewpoints below it, with the highest at about 4,155 m on our itinerary.
Mardi Himal or Poon Hill?
Poon Hill is easier and lower. Mardi Himal is quieter, higher and closer to the big peaks. See our [Poon Hill vs Mardi Himal](/journal/poon-hill-vs-mardi-himal/) comparison.
Do I need a guide?
Since 1 April 2023, Nepal requires foreign trekkers in national parks and conservation areas, including the Annapurna Conservation Area, to trek with a licensed guide. See our [guide rules explainer](/journal/do-i-need-a-guide-nepal/).
What permits do I need?
An Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Your guide arranges it.
Ready?
Plan your Mardi Himal
Tell us your dates. We'll send a day-by-day plan and full quote within 24 hours.
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